Bradford bosses have been warned that the new Human Rights Act could have a huge impact on the workplace.

A Shipley-based employment law specialist said the implications of the Act -- which comes into force in October -- could range from criminal record checks to the monitoring of employees' e-mails.

Joan Pettingill, who works at the Shipley office of law firm Last Cawthra Feather, advised senior managers to undergo training to avoid future problems.

She said: "The inclusion of the right to respect private and family life may have a significant effect on employers.

"For example, many businesses require a police check on new applicants to see if they have any previous convictions.

"It is possible that while UK law allows these checks, the process of checking may lead to a breach of an individual's right to privacy."

Monitoring of e-mails and telephone calls to avoid abuse could also constitute a breach, said Mrs Pettingill.

She added: "To avoid any confusion over what the Act covers and costly litigation, businesses may wish to arrange training for senior managers and contact their solicitors for clarification."